Dear Sacred Heart School Community

It has been so refreshing this week to walk through the corridors and into classrooms and hear for the first time in many weeks, the vibrant noises associated with our students. The enthusiastic hum of engaged students and the laughter of friends at play, has restored our school to normality; after all, schools were built to have students in them. Even our staff whose diligence and passion has been undiminished during this COVID 19 period, have had an even more noticeable smile, as they go about the vocation they so love. Detailed below are some responses from our Year 5/6 students on being back at school.

Some Reflections on being back at school from our Year 5/6 students

When I was learning from home I remember being so excited to go back to school, and it's been really good to be at school even though there may be differences. I especially missed playing footy with my friends. Alana

It has been great being back at school seeing my friends and interacting with my teacher Marty. Overall I think being at school is way better than doing online school. Connor

I have been enjoying school a lot so far because being able to see my friends in person is pretty great and being able to not stare at a screen all day is also good. Harry

So far this week has gone really well. Coming back to school has been a bit strange but we’re still grateful we could come back to see each other. Work has been pretty easy so far but there is a lot to come. Hanna, Jayben and Leon

I enjoyed, like most people, seeing my friends again. I also enjoyed getting out of my house because I was seeing the same thing everyday. Another thing that I enjoyed was learning a different way instead of always going on the computer, because I get to go out for recess and lunch. The one thing that I enjoyed most when I was doing online learning was waking up later. Jasmine

‘I’m glad to come back to school, maybe it’s because of the atmosphere, I like to work with noise so working at school was and still is a breeze. Maths and Literacy are probably my favourite subjects by far, Explode the Moment really is a good strategy and the Maths Lesson let me nerd out with Amanda. Overall, I love school, although the work is quite easy, I’ve resorted to bringing some of my own homework from school to do during eating time and when I have no more work to do.’ Huy

When I got back to school I was relieved, I really wanted to meet my friends again. Anthea

"Some of our Year Three/Four students showing they are back into the very important habit of washing their hands, thanks parents for reinforcing this when your children are at home"

Parking on Clifton Grove

I realise that not allowing parents into the school ground unless for school related matters, is causing some issues with parking in Clifton Grove. We do ask however that during this period where this protocol is in place, that parents and guardians also remember the road rules around double parking. Yes it may mean a longer walk along Clifton Grove, but we want to ensure all our students are safe leaving our school at the end of the day.

School Board

Our School Board had its first meeting of the term on Tuesday. Due to COVID 19 protocols, it was conducted via the Zoom platform which has become such a common experience during these times of social awareness. The main items for discussion were putting the final touches to our Home Learning Policy and reflecting upon the "distance learning" experience of the previous weeks. Through the discussion it is again apparent that there were strategies and practices that worked really well during the recent weeks, and we will continue these even though our students are back at school. I would like again, to thank our School Board for their energy, commitment and passion in helping our school to be continually seeking improvement.

IT Survey

Early next week Denise (our very hard working IT coordinator), will send out a survey to all families via email, asking for feedback on your experience during the "distance education" period. In particular Denise is looking for your advice on what devices and platforms you feel best suit your children's needs. As we plan for the future and commit money to IT purchasing, it would be great to get all parents and guardian's insights as to what devices and platforms best suit our student's needs.

Please stay safe.

Yours sincerely

Mark Tierney

Principal

Events